Listen: Ex Deo’s New Song Features Unleash The Archers Vocalist Brittney Slayes

If you were to ask me to find a guest vocalist for Ex Deo, the Roman history-themed metal band led by Kataklysm’s Maurizio Iacono, Unleash the Archers’ Brittney Slayes would be at or near the top of that list.

On “Boudicca (Queen Of The Iceni),” Ex Deo’s latest single, it’s as if Iacono wormed his way into my brain. Slayes guests! All is glorious and epic and right.

Iacono explains of the track and the collaboration with Slayes:

“Queen Boudicca has been a symbol of freedom and rebellion in England since her ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield defending her people and their beliefs. Rome, in full expansion and under the rule of Emperor Nero, was on a mission to annex Britain as a Roman province after the death of King Prasutagus (Boudicca’s husband). The Roman treaty died, and so did peace. 

“The song embodies the tense exchange and mind frame of Boudicca against the Roman Empire’s invasion and occupation. We are thrilled that Brittney Slayes of Unleash The Archers accepted the invitation to guest and deliver a powerful performance on this song. There’s no one that better embodies the fighting spirit of Boudicca in metal than Brittney – the choice was clear. Prepare to be transported to ancient times of war and let the metal flow!”

Slayes adds:

“I was beyond excited to get the invite to be a part of this project! I am a huge Ex Deo fan, plus I love the history and mythology they always incorporate into their albums, so it was a huge honour. Not to mention getting to ‘play’ the role of the iconic and powerful Boudicca was the chance of a lifetime! I have always been inspired by the warrior queen of the Iceni and could not wait to lend my voice to her part.  Here’s hoping everyone enjoys this track as much as I do!”

Give it a spin below. The Thirteen Years Of Nero comes out on August 27 via Napalm Records; pre-order here, and check out the previously released video, “Imperator.”